Display box and wire hinge for use therewith



R. c. J. PALSON 3,297,151

DISPLAY BOX AND WIRE HINGE FOR USE THEREWITH 3 Sheets-Sheet 1.

Jan. 10, 1967 Filed May 10, 1965 DISPLAY BOX AND WIRE HINGE FOR USE- THEREWITH Filed May 10, 1965 Jan. 10, 1967 R. c. J. PALSON 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 In 002 tor,

Rickard (irlfallson,

Att

Jan. 10, 1967 R. c. J. PALsofi 3,297,151

DISPLAY BOX AND WIRE HINGE FOR USE THEREWITH Filed May 10, 1965 5 Sheets-Sheet @I 8' WD 9. l I I I I02 I 02 //Z //2 I00 I00 //5 I 94 //0 1/0 y/m 1M Y but have been conventional in use atent Patented Jan. 10, 1967 3,297,151 DISPLAY 30X AND WlRE HKNGE IFGR USE THEREWITH Richard (I. .ll. Pals-on, Medfield, Mass, assignor to Wismar Packaging Corp, Central Falls, 12.1., a corporation of Rhode Island Filed May 10, 1965, Ser. No. 454,271 14 Claims. (Cl. 206-4523) The present invention relates to a display box and a wire hinge for use therewith. More particularly, the present invention relates to a box construction having top and bottom sections to which a wire hinge is intercnnected, the wire hinge providing for relative movement of the box sections.

The usual box construction that has been employed heretofore for the packaging and display of small articles such as articles of jewelry and the like, have normally comprised a top and bottom section formed of metal, wood, cardboard or plastic materials and which have been hingedly connected together at the rear wall thereof by a conventional spring hinge or the like. The spring hinges utilized with such display boxes have varied in some detail in that they were connected to the rear walls of the top and bottom sections of the display box and were designed to hold these sections in either a positive open or closed position.

The hinge assembly embodied in the present invention represents a unique departure from the conventional hinge constructions for display boxes and eliminates the use of the well-known spring hinge, and by so doing provides for relative movement of the box sections, wherein the box sections can be conveniently moved from a closed position to a display stand position. The hinge assembly provided in the present invention is defined by a wire member that is interconnected to the bottom wall of the bottom section of the display box and to the top wall of the top section of the display box. By providing for rotating movement of a portion of the wire hinge and by further fixing another portion of the wire hinge against rotation, relative move ment of the box section in which the rotatable and fixed portions of the wire hinge are mounted, causes the wire hinge to be twisted, the resulting spring elfect providing for positive location of the box sections in the open display position or in the closed position thereof. In one form of the invention, the rotatable portion of the wire hinge is mounted in the bottom section on the bottom wall thereof and is spaced from the rear wall of the bottom section. Side portions of the wire hinge are joined to the rotatable portion and bridge the space between the bottom and top sections and interconnect the rotating portion of the wire hinge to a fixed portion thereof. The fixed portion of the wire hinge is mounted in the tOp section of the box and in close proximity to the front wall thereof. Since the box sections are interconnected only through the wire hinge, relative movement therebetween results in rotation of the rotable portion of the wire hinge, thereby causing a torsioning effect to be produced on the fixed portion thereof. The top section of the box is thus movable rearwardly of the bottom section to a substantially upright position, the bottom section sliding to a substantially inclined position and cooperating with the top section to define an easel eifect or display stand. An article located in the bottom section may be conveniently displayed therein, the top section cooperating with the top section to provide an ornamental display construction therewith.

In order to guide the bottom section and the movement thereof with respect to the top section in aligned relation, a guide means in the form of an insert may be located within the top section. The insert is provided with marginal portions that are engaged by the rear wall of the bottom section and thereby guide the rear wall and bottom section during the movement thereof.

One of the unique features of the wire hinge assembly, is the fixing of one portion while simultaneously providing for rotation of another portion so that the fixed portion is placed under torsion during movement of the box sections. This torsioning effect provides for location of the box section in a positive position when either in the closed or open condition. Although the torsioning effect defines a novel feature of the present invention, it is contemplated that the Wire hinge incorporate a coil spring rather than a torsion spring without departing from the spirit of the invention. In connection with the wire hinge assembly, various forms thereof are contemplated as will hereinafter be described in the following specification.

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a box for displaying articles therein and that includes a top and bottom section that are interconnected solely by a wire hinge.

Another object of the invention is to provide a wire hinge for use in a display box that permits relative movement of the box sections from a positive closed position to a positive open or display position, wherein the sections define a display stand.

Still another object is to provide a display box that includes a top section and a bottom section and that further includes a wire hinge that is mounted on the top and bottom walls only of said sections, thereby permitting relative movement of the sections with respect to each other.

Still another object is to provide a wire hinge assembly for use in a box construction that includes a portion that is mounted for rotating movement in a box section and that further includes a portion that is fixed in a box section, relative movement of the box sections causing the fixed portion of the wire hinge to be placed under torsion, thereby providing for positive location of the box sections in either a closed or open position.

Still another object is to provide a box construction that includes top and bottom sections and a wire hinge associated therewith, one of said sections including means for guiding the other section when the sections are moved relative to each other as permitted by the location of the wire hinge.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description thereof proceeds when considered in connection with the accompanying illustrative drawings.

In the drawings which illustrate the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the invention:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view with parts shown in section of one form of the display box embodied herein, the box being illustrated in the open or display position;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along lines 2-2 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 2, except that the box is illustrated in the closed position thereof;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the spring hinge assembly of the type illustrated in the form of the invention shown in FIGS. 1 through 4;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary perspective view showing a modified form of hinge retaining member;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view similar to FIG. 3 showing a modified top section construction and guide means therein;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a modified form of spring hinge assembly;

FIG. 9 is a plan view of a of spring hinge assembly;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view showing a still further modified form of spring hinge assembly as used in a display view taken along lines 3-3 in still further modified form box, the box sections being shown in the open or display position; and

FIG. 11 is a front elcvational view of the display box illustrated in FIG. 10.

Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIGS. 1 through 5, a box construction is generally indicated at 10, and as shown, includes a bottom section generally indicated at 12 and a top section generally indicated at 14. Both the top and bottom sections, as shown, are formed of a metal material that is drawn to the configuration illustrated; however, it is understood that the box sections 10 and 12 may be fabricated of materials other than metal, or if they are formed of metal, they may be constructed in a manner other than by the drawing process.

As seen in FIGS. 1 through 5, both the bottom and top sections 12 and 14 are conventional in shape and configuration, the bottom section including a bottom wall 16, side walls 18 and 211, a rear wall 22 and a front wall 24. The top section 14 is constructed similarly to the bottom section 12 and includes a top wall 26, side walls 28 and 30, a rear wall 32 and a front wall 34.

The box construction embodied in the present invention defines a departure over the conventional box known heretofore in that the rear walls of the top and bottom sections are mounted for relative movement with respect to each other and are not hingedly connected. Thus, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the top and bottom sections in the open position thereof are disposed of such that they define a display stand. In order to provide for the relative movement of the top and bottom section the present invention includes a unique hinge assembly, one form of which is shown in FIGS. 1 through 5, and that is illustrated generally at 36. In the form of the hinge assembly indicated at 36, a forward portion 38 thereof is located in the bottom section 12 and is mounted on the bottom Wall 16 thereof. The forward portion extends substantially the width of the bottom wall 16 and has side portions 40 and 42 joined thereto that project rearwardly in the display position. Joined to the side portions 40 and 42 and bent at right angles therewith are rear portions 44 and 46 respectively that are mounted on the top wall of the top section 14. In the form of the hinge assembly 36 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 5, bent end portions 48 and 50 are joined to the rear portions 44 and 46 respectively and as will be described are formed as part of the rear portions to prevent the rotation thereof when the box sections 12 and 14 are moved relative to each other.

In order to provide for movement of the box sections to a positive open or closed position, it is necessary that one portion of the wire hinge 36 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 through be tor-sioned to produce a spring effect. This is accomplished by providing for a rotating effect of the forward portion 38 of the hinge assembly and fixing the rear portions 44, 46. Thus when the forward portion 38 and side portions 40 and 42 joined thereto are moved by relative movement of the box sections 12 and 14, the rear portions 44 and 46 are twisted, thereby producing a spring effect for locating the box sections in a positive open or closed position. As shown in FIGS. 1 through 5, the forward portion 38 of the spring hinge assembly 36 is mounted on the bottom wall 16 of the bottom section for rotation with respect thereto by a bracket 52 to which curved fingers 54 are joined. The bracket 52 may be fixed to the bottom wall 16 in any well-known manner such as by spot welding, the fingers 54 being curled over the forward portion 38 of the spring hinge assembly 36 in loose fitting relation and thereby providing for rotating movement of the forward portion 38 therein.

In order to locate the rear portions 44, 46 of the wire hinge assembly 36 in position, a rear bracket 56 is mounted within the top wall 26 and is secured therein in some convenient manner such as by spot welding. The bracket 56 includes ears 58 that are curved to accommodate the rear portions 44, 46 and are spaced to provide for a central curved portion 66 that receives the bent end portions 48, 50 therein. It is seen that the bracket 56 cooperates with the bent end portions 48, 50 to prevent rotation of the rear portions 44, 46 as the forward portion 38 and side portions 40, 42 of the wire hinge assembly 36 are swiveled. The rear portions 44, 46 are thus twisted to produce a torsion spring effect when the box sections are moved relative to each other.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the open or display position of the box sections 12 and 14 is illustrated, and it is seen that in this position the rear section 14 is located substantially upright while the bottom section 12 is inclined and in effect forms an easel construction with the rear section 14. Since the rear wall 22 of the bottom section is disconnected from the rear wall 32 of the top section, which is in contradistinction to the conventional box construction, it is desirable to guide the movement of the bottom section rear wall as it slides relative to the top section. An effective guide is created, in the form of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 5, by locating a top insert 62 within the top section 14. The top insert 62 may be formed of any conventional material but is sufi'iciently rigid to provide a surface against which the rear wall 22 of the bottom section may move in sliding relation with respect thereto. As shown the top insert 62 includes a central portion 63 and an edge portion that flares outwardly at the marginal edges thereof to define marginal portions 64. The outermost edges of the marginal portions 64 are slightly depressed with respect to the adjacent outer edges of the marginal walls of the top section but are located so as to positively engage the outer surface of the rear wall 22 of the bottom section 12 when the bottom section is moved relative to the top section 14. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the top insert 62 further includes side walls 66 that are joined to the marginal portions 64 and that engage the top Wall 26 for locating the insert 62 in position. As previously stated, the material from which the insert 62 is fabricated is sufficiently rigid to properly locate the guiding surfaces of the insert with respect to the top section.

In order to properly locate the top and bottom sections in the closed position thereof, a guide lock is provided and includes a lock member 68 that is joined to the rear wall 32 of the top section by a rivet 70 and that projects beyond the marginal edge of the rear wall 32. The lock member 68 includes an inwardly depending finger 72 that is adapted to be received within an opening 74 formed in the rear wall 22 of the bottom section 12. Thus when the top and bottom section are moved to the closed position thereof, the inwardly projecting finger 72 is received in the opening 74 and thus properly locates the top and bottom sections in the closed position thereof.

If required a bottom or base insert indicated at 76 in FIGS. 2 and 4 may be placed within the bottom section 12 for accommodating the article that is to be packaged and displayed in the box 10. Although the bottom or base insert 76 as shown is formed with a specific con- 1 figuration, it is understood that this member may be constructed and arranged in any desired manner in order to accommodate the article to be displayed. In use of the display box 10, the outer surfaces of the walls that comprise the top and bottom sections may be covered with any ornamental material such as leather, simulated leather or a natural or synthetic fabric that would suit the requirements for the specific use of the box. The outer edges of the side, front and rear walls of the top and bottom sections may also be decorated with ornamental rim such as is well-known in display box constructions.

The box is designed to not only package an article but is also designed to display the article for the sale thereof. Thus in one of the intended uses of the box, articles of jewelry will be displayed therein. When the article to be displayed is packaged in the box it will be held in position in the bottom insert 76 and the box is then normally disposed in the closed position as seen in FIG. 4 for shipping and storing. If it is desired to locate the box in the open position for display of the article therein, then the top and bottom sections are moved relative to each other and against the action of the wire hinge 36 to locate the top section 14 in a substantially upright position and the bottom section 12 in a substantially inclined position as illustrated in FIG. 2. In assuming this position, the top section 14 is swiveled with respect to the bottom section 12 so as to rotate the forward portion 38 of the wire hinge 36. This swiveling movement locates the top section 14 rearwardly of the bottom section 12, the rear portions 44 and 46 of the wire hinge being placed under torsion during the swiveling movement. A spring effect results as the wire hinge is torsioned and the box sections are thus moved to the open position in a positive manner with the wire hinge under atwisting stress. This spring effect will tend to return the box sections to the closed position when they are moved from the display position and will thereafter positively locate the box sections in the closed position thereof as seen in FIG. 4.

Referring now to FIG. 6 a modification for retaining the portions of the wire hinge 36 in position in the box sections is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 6, a portion of the bottom wall 16 of the bottom section 12 has been cut out to form a retaining finger 78. By providing cutout portions in the bottom wall 16 in the manner as illustrated in FIG. 6 to form fingers 78, a separate bracket such as bracket 52 may be eliminated for retaining the forward portions 44, 46 of the hinge 36 in place in the bottom section. The top wall 26 of the top section may be similarly cut-out to form fingers for retaining the forward portions 44, 46 of the hinge 36 in place in the top section.

Referring to FIG. 7, a modified form of the top section is illustrated and is generally indicated at 80. The top section 80 is constructed substantially identical to the top section 14 with the exception that the side walls 82 and 84 of the modified top section 80 have inturned marginal flange portions 86 that define guides for the rear wall 22 of the bottom box section. These inturned marginal flange portions 86 would avoid the requirement of providing a top insert 62 with the marginal guide portions as illustrated and described in connection with FIGS. 1 through 5, and the usual ornamental puff could then be inserted in the top section. If the inturned portions 86 and 88 are provided for a top section 30 as illustrated in FIG. 7, openings 90 will be included therein for accommodating the side portions of the wire hinge assembly.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, further modified forms of the wire hinge assembly are illustrated. In FIG. 8 the wire hinge assembly is generally indicated at 92 and includes separate hinge portions 94. The hinge portions 94 are formed substantially identical and include forward portions 98, side portions 100, rear portions 102 and bent end portions 104. It is seen that the wire hinge assembly 92 is substantially identical to the wire hinge assembly 36 with the exception that the forward hinge portion is formed in the separate sections 98.

In FIG. 9 a further modified wire hinge assembly is generally indicated at 106 and is substantially identical to the wire hinge assembly 92 comprising forward hinge portions 108, side hinge portions 110, rear hinge portions 112 and bent end portions 114. As shown in FIG. 9, the Wire hinge assembly 106 is formed in a one-piece construction, the bend end portions 114 being connectable at the innermost ends thereof as indicated at 115. Both the wire hinge assemblies 92 and 106 are constructed of wire stock that is substantially circular in cross-sectional configuration, and are assembled in the top and bottom box sections in substantially the same manner as illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 5. These wire hinge assemblies can also incorporate the modified retaining means illustrated in FIG. 6.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, a still further modified form of wire hinge assembly is illustrated for use in a box construction that is substantially identical to that described above in FIGS. 1 through 5 and is generally indicated at 124 The only distinction in the wire hinge assembly as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11 is the use of the material from which the wire hinge is constructed. In this form of the invention, wire stock having substantially a square or rectangular cross-sectional configuration is employed, and it will be noted further that the wire stock is held in position in top and bottom sections 121, 122 by separate brackets 1.16 and 118 that are secured to top and bottom walls 124 and 126 respectively of the top and bottom sections 121 and 122. In order to produce the torsion effect in the form of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, a bracket 128 is fixed to the top wall 124 of the top section 121 and overlies a rear portion 130 of the wire hinge assembly 120. The bracket 128 thus prevents :rotation of the rear portion 130 of the wire hinge assembly 126, whereupon when the box sections 126 and 122 are moved relative to each other the rear portion 130 will be twisted. The resulting spring effect locates the box sections in either a positive open or close position. It is understood that the other constructional features of the box illustrated in FIGS. 10* and 11 are substantially similar to that described above.

While there is shown and described herein certain specific structure embodying the invention, it will be manifest to those skilled in the art that various modifications and rearrangements of the parts may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept, and that the same is not limited to the particular forms herein shown and described, except insofar as indicated by the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a box for displaying an article therein, a bottom section having a bottom wall, side walls and front and rear walls, a top section having a top wall, side walls and front and rear walls, and a wire hinge assembly hingedly interconnecting said top and bottom sections, said wire hinge assembly including one portion that is mounted for rotating movement in one of said sections and another portion that is fixed in the other of said sections against rotating movement, wherein when one of said sections is moved relative to the other to an open display position, the fixed portion of said wire hinge assembly is placed under torsion, so as to positively retain the sections in the open display position and to urge said sections to the closed position thereof.

2. In a box as set forth in claim 1, said one portion of said wire hinge assembly being mounted on the inner surface of the bottom wall of said bottom section and spaced from the front and rear walls thereof, the other portion of said wire hinge assembly being fixed to the inner surface of the top Wall of said top section and being located in close proximity to said front wall, and wire elements interconnecting said portions and being located closely adjacent to the side walls of said top and bottom sections, wherein when said sections are moved relative to each other to the open display position, said top section slides behind the rear wall of said bottom section to a substantially upright position and said bottom section is inclined, said top and bottom sections in the open display position defining a display stand for displaying the article contained in said box.

3. In a box as set forth in claim 1, said portions of said wire hinge assembly being mounted in the top and bottom walls of said top and bottom sections respectively and being disconnected from the rear walls thereof, said wire hinge assembly further including wire elements that interconnect said portions and that bridge the space between said top and bottom walls, said wire elements permitting movement of said top section relative to said bottom section, to a position wherein the top section is substantially upright and said bottom section is inclined.

4. In a display box, a bottom section having a bottom wall, side walls and front and rear walls, a top section having a top wall, side walls and front and rear walls, and wire hinge assembly interconnected to the bottom wall of said bottom section and to the top wall of said top section, said rear and side walls of said top and bottom sections being mutually disconnected from each other, said sections being removable relative to each other as determined by the interconnection of the wire hinge assembly thereto, wherein said top section is slidable from a closed position where the outer edges of the side, front and rear walls thereof engage the outer edges of the side, front and rear walls of said bottom section to a substantially upright open position behind said bottom section, said bottom section being generally inclined in the open position thereof.

5. In a box for displaying an article therein, a bottom section having a shell configuration that is defined by a bottom wall, side walls and front and rear Walls, a top section having a shell configuration that is defined by a top wall, side walls and front and rear walls, the outer edges of the side, front and rear walls of said top and bottom shells being located in mutual engagement in the closed position thereof but being disconnected from each other, and a wire hinge interconnecting said top section to said bottom section such that relative movement of said sections from the closed to an open position causes the bottom shell to slide relative to the top shell to an inclined position and the top shell to move rearwardly of the bottom shell to a substantially upright position, the open position of said sections defining an easel effect and providing for display of the article located within the box.

6. In a box as set forth in claim 5, said bottom section including a bottom wall that defines the bottom of said box, said top section including a top wall that defines the top of said box, said Wire hinge being mounted on the inner surface of said bottom and top walls and providing for the relative movement of said sections.

7. In a box as set forth in claim 6, said hinge includ ing one portion that is mounted on the inner surface of the wall of one section in rotating relation with respect thereto, and another portion that is mounted on the inner surface of the wall of the other section in fixed relation, said rotating hinge portion permitting relative movement of said sections and said fixed hinge portion being torsioned during the relative movement to provide for positive location of said sections in the open position and to urge said sections to the closed position thereof.

8. In a box as set forth in claim 7, said rotating portion of said hinge being mounted on the inner surface of the bottom wall of said bottom section and being spaced from the wall of said bottom section that defines the rear of the bottom shell, the fixed portion of said hinge being mounted on the inner surface of the top wall of the top section and being located in close adjacent relation to the wall of said top section that defines the rear of the top shell.

9. In a box as set forth in claim 5, said wire hinge including a lower portion that is mounted in said bottom section, an upper portion that is mounted in said top section, and sideportions that interconnect said top and bottom portions, said side portions being located closely adjacent to the side walls of said top and bottom sections, and means associated with said top section and with which the rear wall of said bottom section engages for guiding said bottom section during relative movement of said sections.

10. In a box as set forth in claim 9, said guiding means being defined by a liner insert that is received within said top section, said liner insert including side marginal portions with which the rear wall of said bottom section engages during relative movement of said sections.

11. In a box as set forth in claim 9, one of said portions of said hinge that is mounted in a section being rotatable upon, relative movement of said sections, theportion of said hinge that is mounted in the other section being fixed along a length thereof so that the relative movement of said sections produces a torsion eifect on said fixed hinge portion, wherein said sections are positively located in the open position and are urged to the closed position thereof.

12. In a box as set forth in claim 11, the cross-sectional configuration of the material from which said wire hinge is fabricated being circular and said rotatable portion of said hinge being mounted on the bottom wall of said bottom section and spaced between said front and rear walls, the fixed portion of said hinge being mounted on the top wall of said top section and in close proximity to the front wall thereof.

13. In a box as set forth in claim 11, external fastening elements being secured around the rotatable and fixed hinge portions and being fixed to the sections in which said rotatable and fixed hinge portions are located.

14. In a box as set forth in claim 11, the cross-sectional configuration of the material from which said wire hinge is fabricated being generally rectangular, the rotatable portion of said hinge being located on the bottom wall of said bottom section and spaced between said front and rear walls, brackets joined to said bottom wall and extending around said rotatable portion but permitting the rotation thereof and the fixed portion of said hinge being mounted on the top wall of said top section and in close proximity to the front wall thereof, and means extending around said fixed hinge portion for locking said fixed hinge portion against rotation upon relative movement of said sections.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 802,979 10/1905 English 220-35 2,200,404 5/1940 Vogt 206-4523 2,807,355 9/1957 Shiifman 220-35 2,905,356 9/1959 Jerome 22035 THERON E. CONDON, Primary Examiner.

WILLIAM T. DIXSON, JR., Examiner. 

5. IN A BOX FOR DISPLAYING AN ARTICLE THEREIN, A BOTTOM SECTION HAVING A SHELL CONFIGURATION THAT IS DEFINED BY A BOTTOM WALL, SIDE WALLS AND FRONT AND REAR WALLS, A TOP SECTION HAVING A SHELL CONFIGURATION THAT IS DEFINED BY A TOP WALL, SIDE WALLS AND FRONT AND REAR WALLS, THE OUTER EDGES OF THE SIDE, FRONT AND REAR WALLS OF SAID TOP AND BOTTOM SHELLS BEING LOCATED IN MUTUAL ENGAGEMENT IN THE CLOSED POSITION THEREOF BUT BEING DISCONNECTED FROM EACH OTHER, AND A WIRE HINGE INTERCONNECTING SAID TOP SECTION TO SAID BOTTOM SECTION SUCH THAT RELATIVE MOVEMENT OF SAID SECTIONS FROM THE CLOSED TO AN OPEN POSITION CAUSES THE BOTTOM SHELL TO SLIDE RELATIVE TO THE TOP SHELL TO AN INCLINED POSITION AND THE TOP SHELL TO MOVE REARWARDLY OF THE BOTTOM SHELL TO A SUBSTANTIALLY UPRIGHT POSITION, THE OPEN POSITION OF SAID SECTIONS DEFINING AN EASEL EFFECT AND PROVIDING FOR DISPLAY OF THE ARTICLE LOCATED WITHIN THE BOX. 